Ultrasound-guided proximal external aortic compression in a vascular trauma patient

Abstract

Objectives Emergency treatment of patients with severe subphrenic vascular trauma often adopts resuscitative thoracotomy or endovascular balloon. This case report proposes a non-invasive method to treat patients with vascular trauma, mainly through ultrasound-guided positioning of the proximal aorta and applying pressure to occlude the aorta and limit the distal blood flow, using bedside ultrasound to achieve accurate compression, continuous monitoring of its efficacy, and early detection of the recovery of autonomic circulation in patients with cardiac arrest. Methods We introduced a case of left iliac artery injury caused by a knife wound and subsequent cardiac arrest. Results We tried to externally compress the proximal aorta under bedside US guidance to achieve and maintain the recovery of the autonomic circulation. This allowed the patient to be transferred from the emergency department to the operating room. Conclusion This case demonstrated that ultrasound-guided proximal external aortic compression can be used as a bridge for further treatment of patients with vascular trauma, such as resuscitative thoracotomy or endoaortic balloon or covered stent occlusion.